# Thursday, October 15 - Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting

The Chicago Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee met on October 15, 2026, to hear an update from Chief Joshua Long of the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss district services, staffing, and the five-year strategic plan. Long reported that OSD’s budget is approximately $1.8 billion, with 99.6% directed to school supports, while special education costs and student needs have grown faster than state and federal funding. The presentation covered staffing levels and vacancies, allocation methods based on student needs, growth in students receiving disability-related supports, least restrictive environment placements, and goals for family engagement, inclusive instruction, and access to educational opportunities.

Members raised concerns about funding, case-manager capacity and caseloads, vacancies and service continuity, homebound services, and whether general education staff receive adequate training and access to students’ IEP accommodations. Members also discussed equitable access to resources across schools and opportunities for students transitioning to adulthood. Long described existing hiring and staffing processes and suggested inviting the district’s Talent Office to a future meeting to discuss recruitment initiatives. No contracts, bids, vendor selections, procurement decisions, or spending motions were identified; discussion of funding and staffing did not result in a recorded vote or formal expenditure action.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 16, 2026

### Sources
- [Thursday, October 15 - Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb6louk09Ps) - Chicago Public Schools